Bailey Hockman Commits to Georgia: How 4-Star QB Fits Bulldogs Offense

The Georgia Bulldogs bagged another big-time quarterback recruit Friday morning, as in-state standout Bailey Hockman announced his intentions to play for the program:

Hockman, a rising junior at McEachern High School, becomes the first member of head coach Mark Richt's 2017 class. Rated second nationally among pro-style passers in his grade, per 247Sports' Composite rankings, Hockman is exactly the kind of talent coaches attempt to build around on an annual basis.

The Bulldogs aim to repeat the ensuing success that followed a similarly early commitment from top-ranked 2016 quarterback Jacob Eason. The Washington product pledged last summer, setting the stage for Georgia to develop a foundation that's helped the class elevate to seventh in 2016 Composite rankings.

Eason initially bought into the vision of former Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, who now serves as head coach at Colorado State. He's remained loyal to the team as its transitioned to veteran NFL coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.

Now the first-year Bulldogs assistant has his grips on another coveted quarterback.

Hockman, a 6'2", 210-pound passer, is currently a composite 4-star recruit and could certainly leap into the 5-star tier with further progress. He threw for 3,597 yards and 42 touchdowns last season as a sophomore, per Jeff Sentell of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Those efforts helped him emerge as a prized prospect, garnering offers from several Power Five programs. Hockman holds scholarship offers from Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Stanford, Michigan State and Miami, among others.

Georgia extended an offer in January.

"They have great coaches and coach Schottenheimer, I was the first person he called and offered (when hired in January)," Hockman told Drew Champlin of AL.com. "That was a big deal to me."

Hockman has the arm strength and physical frame to effectively orchestrate a dangerous collegiate aerial attack. The lefty shined during significant early experience in a McEachern offense that featured USC offensive lineman Chuma Edoga, Oregon running back Taj Griffin, Duke wide receiver T.J. Rahming and fellow 2017 4-star Tyler Smith.

The Bulldogs landed his high school teammate, 5-star defensive tackle Julian Rochester, two weeks ago. Hockman's presence could also provide a push in Georgia's pursuit of Smith, who should serve as his primary target during the next two seasons.

It's easy to understand why college coaches have become enamored with Hockman, who spent Friday morning attending camp on campus:

"

UGA QB commit Bailey Hockman scans the field https://t.co/nJD6RsdzjN

— Jake Rowe (@Rowe247) June 12, 2015"

He exhibits excellent footwork for a young quarterback and spins the ball well with an impressively quick release that places passes on his receivers in a hurry. If Eason lives up to his high-profile status in Athens, there won't be much of a drop-off, if any, at the position when he departs.

Hockman may sacrifice the opportunity to play quickly by heading to Georgia. Immense expectations are in place for Eason, who could compete for snaps as a true freshman and become entrenched as the Bulldogs' full-time starter through 2019. 

Patience will be imperative for Hockman if that's the case.

Based on impressions from his underclassman performances, an opportunity to lead Georgia will be worth the wait for him and Bulldogs fans alike.

Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.